QPR boss Cifuentes vows to find solutions amid attacking injury crisis

QPR head coach Marti Cifuentes is adamant he will find ways to work around the current lack of attacking options at his disposal.

Cifuentes was without Michy Frey, Rayan Kolli and Ilias Chair due to injury in Saturday’s goalless draw against Cardiff City, while Koki Saito was unavailable due to suspension.

That meant 21-year-old Alfie Lloyd led the line for Rangers but he is managing an ongoing groin problem and had to be substituted early in the second half with young midfielder Daniel Bennie replacing him upfront.

“Obviously its difficult because I cannot create a striker [out of nothing],” said Cifuentes. “The reality is that Alfie did not start against Stoke [last weekend] because of a groin injury that has been there for a while.

“Today he gave us this energy he’s got, his movement to stretch in behind. Unfortunately, he felt his groin once again. I think the doctor and the medical team will test him, but he was not very optimistic about the next game.

“That’s where we are, and my job is to get the best of the players at my disposal.

“Bennie is not a natural striker. It’s not one he trains in or one we think he can develop in at his best level but at least he has this running capacity and we’re trying to find some solutions.

“It’s not going to help us to moan about this or feel sorry for ourselves. We need to find solutions and get the points we need no matter how.

“It’s been a constant all season. In pre-season we had a big plan and then suddenly Illy picks up an injury that puts him out for three months. He’s an important player for us, has always played 40 games a season in his career.

“When Rayan Kolli was coming back from an injury he started playing at a really good level then picked up another one.

“It’s different to play with Rayan at the top than to play with Alfie or to play with Michy. We always try to find solutions, the relations on the field change a lot for the players.

“I understand it is not easy for the neutral fan [to understand] but I would like them to think about those things, not only how much we’ve had to change at the top but also in the backline.”